Cycling in rain, snow and cold - practical tips

The cold season is just around the corner and the hardy among us who have to cycle to the office in bad weather, cycle to school in the rain or have even planned a cycle tour in the rain should now Prepare for cycling in rain, snow & co..

With our practical “Cycling in the rain tips” you can Cycle confidently in any weather. No matter what unexpected weather surprises come your way.

Let's go!

Dry from head to toe with waterproof cycling rainwear

There are certainly some bad weather situations in which you should leave your bike at home.

But wet and cold are not part of it.

Because with appropriate clothing you can cycle in the rain without getting wet. Your rainwear should

• Breathable so that you don't work up too much of a sweat,
• Water-repellent or waterproof
• and in the best case also windproof be.

That's why we're now taking a close look at suitable rainwear from head to toe.

Your head needs special protection from the cold and wet

And we don't just mean wearing a cycle helmet.

Most of your body heat is lost through your head, which is why you should definitely wear a Put on your cap when cycling. Windproof helmet caps are ideal.

The cap is by no means intended to replace the cycle helmet. Rather, you can use the Helmet for even more visibility in the dark use. For example, with a reflective and waterproof helmet cover.

If your helmet cover is not reflective, you can always adjust it with reflective stickers.
Read more further down.

Apart from the cap, you should also wear a Cycling balaclava or a face mask for cycling are part of your rain gear. Because when the rain is lashing down on your face or your nose hairs are already freezing, it can be pretty uncomfortable. In this Overview of different bike masks to find out what you should look out for when buying.

A cycling rain jacket, rain cape or cycling rain poncho

A high-quality Rain jacket for cyclists is breathable and waterproof. For cycling and hiking in the rain, a 10,000 mm water column is a good guideline.

Ventilation zips under the arms are also useful so that the moisture in the air that is produced when sweating does not build up under the jacket and can be transported to the outside.

Equally practical is a Hood with rain shield, so that the rain does not drip directly onto your nose or the lenses of your glasses as well as a adjustable collar and adjustable cuffs on the arms and hips.

Rain capes and rain ponchos protect you further than the waist. These can usually be folded up easily and have a small pack size for easy transport. In most cases, however, the necessary flexibility comes at the expense of functionality.

Dry legs when cycling with rain trousers

Even a large rain poncho for your bike won't completely protect your legs from the rain. Only a good pair of rain trousers can do that. To prevent heat and sweat from building up underneath, as with the rain jacket, the Breathable rain trousers be.

To reliably protect you from the wet, it should have a Water column (WS) of at least 3,000 mm to 4,000 mm have. If you want to be out and about in heavy rain, cycling rain trousers with 10,000 mm WS or more are advisable.

You should also make sure you have enough room to move.

Rain protection for shoes against wet and cold feet when cycling

With 100% water-repellent and windproof bicycle Rain overshoes you don't need to worry about which shoes to wear in the rain. 

Thanks to the elasticated drawstring and one-size fit, they can be worn as Rain protection for normal shoes that you can simply pull over them.

The high shaft with elasticated band ensures that no water can penetrate from above and the reinforced toe and heel of the sole provide you with additional protection. non-slip tread.

If you often cycle in the dark, it's a good idea for a Increased visibility in road traffic also good, additional reflective elements on your cycling overshoes. Our rain overshoes are already equipped with reflectors.

In particularly icy temperatures, however, you could get cold feet when cycling with these rain protection shoes. This is because they are not lined on the inside.

For warm feet when cycling, you should opt for waterproof Overshoes for bikes with thermal function set.

Cycling gloves for warm and dry hands

To avoid slipping off the handlebars due to wet hands or getting chapped hands due to the cold, you should be careful during this time. Cycling gloves for the winter set. Summer gloves made of thin Lycra protect your hands from a little splash water at most, but not sufficiently from the cold.

Thermal cycling gloves with a cosy inner lining are ideal for cycling tours in icy cold conditions. However, they are relatively thick and therefore somewhat stiffer than other gloves. You should therefore make sure you check whether you can brake and change gear well with them before setting off. 

Soft winter gloves are more flexible than thermal cycling gloves. Their water and wind-repellent uppermaterial does not protect your hands from the icy cold, but it does protect them from light rain, snow and wind. 

Reflective elements on the gloves are advisable to increase your safety on the road in the cold season.

Practical for temperature fluctuations: The onion look

In autumn in particular, it is often much colder in the mornings and evenings than during the day.

You'll soon be sweating in the afternoon when you're wearing the warm rainwear that kept you warm in the morning. So that on such days neither too warm nor too cold at all times you will benefit from the good old onion look or layered look. 

The different layers keep you warm in cold temperatures and can be stowed away in your pocket when it gets warmer. This is not only practical, but also important for your health. Because when you start to sweat and the air around you is cool, you quickly catch a cold.

For such cases, we also recommend Always have a change of shirt with you that you can put on when yours is sweaty so that you don't cool down and catch something.

The right cycling equipment for cycling in the rain

In addition to the right rainwear for cycling, you can improve your riding comfort and safety with the The right cycling equipment for rain even more.

Ensure increased visibility with reflective stickers on your bike

In poor visibility conditions, e.g. at dusk, in fog or drizzle and even more so in the dark, it is extremely important to be recognised early by other road users in order to avoid accidents.

To perceived from every angle, no matter how small sometimes bicycle lights are not enough.

Stick-on bike reflectors are ideal for this. Many of these reflective stickers blend unobtrusively into your bike design during the day and shine all the more effectively in the dark. With the reflective sticker “Chevron” you have 20 green or black stickers in various shapes and sizes that adhere to smooth surfaces. As bike frame stickers, you can even arrange the geometric shapes into small works of art and add a personal touch to your bike equipment.

Please note that reflector stickers do not replace the legally required bicycle light! Rather, they are a useful addition to maximise your visibility and safety on the road.

A bike splash guard keeps your clothes clean and dry

A mudguard on your bike is an absolute must-have for Cycling in rain and snow.

It keeps your clothes clean and protects your bike from dirt and damage. This is because stones thrown up in the mud or road salt can scratch the paintwork of your bike, for example.

To prevent this from happening to you, there are the right mudguard for every bike:

• Mudguards can be easily fitted and removed and are ideal for riders who only occasionally need protection from splash water and mud.
• Fixed mudguards are permanently attached to the bike and offer protection from moisture and dirt at all times. They are therefore suitable, for example, for commuters and frequent riders who cycle to work in the rain.
• Road bike mudguards are specially developed for racing bikes and improve riding comfort in bad weather without compromising weight and speed.
• MTB mudguards are robust and wide to meet the demands of mountain biking. They not only protect against water and mud, but also against stones and dirt on rough trails.
• Folding mudguards can be folded out when required and can otherwise be folded up to save space. They are ideal for cyclists who only want to use the splash guard when necessary.

Our mobile Mudguard for your bike “ASS SAVER” is a Combination of bicycle mudguard and folding mudguard, which is suitable for all tyre widths between 23 - 35 mm. It does not require a special mudguard mount on the bike for installation, but can simply be attached to the seat stays in seconds and folded away under the saddle if required. It is super light, flexible and yet robust enough to protect you from the rain at all times.

Choose tyres with good grip to drive safely on wet roads

For cycling in rainy weather, snow and ice, you should have a Winter tyres for your bike think about it. After all, tyres that roll well over asphalt in summer may not be the right ones to roll safely over wet or even icy ground in winter.

We recommend a non-slip lamella profile that secure grip on mud and snow there. You can reduce the air pressure to the minimum specified by the manufacturer. The resulting larger contact surface Adheres better to the road surface, than when the tyre is fully inflated and therefore gives you better grip on the ground.

Test the braking effect regularly and readjust your brakes if necessary

No matter which tyres you use for cycling in the rain and ice, the braking distance is longer even with good winter tyres and Slipping cannot usually be completely avoided.

Test the Functionality of your brakes therefore regularly and readjust them if necessary. You can see how in this video about increasing the braking force:

STRENGTHEN BRAKING FORCE - Easy, Fast & Free - Fahrrad.org

Adapt your riding style to avoid falling on slippery surfaces.

Even the best riding skills, the most powerful brakes and the best cycling equipment for bad weather will not save you from an accident if you do not adapt your riding style to the conditions.

On wet, muddy and icy paths, you should always Drive more carefully and a little slower.

Watch out for other road users who may be less visible.

Even if you have little or no difficulty cycling in the rain and snow, you should Consideration for other road users take. Others may have more difficulty than you in making progress on slippery paths or are even less visible in the dark.

To avoid being surprised by other road users and skidding in poor visibility, drive particularly carefully.

Maintain your rain gear for your bike when it is exposed to bad weather

The Cold, wet weather usually eats away at materials. Like on your tex-lock. Icy cold weather or dirt that sticks to your lock when riding on wet roads can cause the bike lock to jam. You should therefore regularly check the textile Cleaning the bike lock and maintain.

The same applies to your clothing, which must be able to withstand the wet. Waterproof your bike rain gear Therefore, treat your bike with waterproofing spray at regular intervals. Then you will be able to ride your bike in the rain all autumn and winter without getting wet.

Make your life more colourful with colourful cycling gear in the rain

The cold and dark season is dreary enough as it is. You don't need any more dreary clothing or equipment. So make sure you have a little Good mood with colourful rain gear for the bike.

Not only do we have bicycle rainwear in all kinds of beautiful colours, but also your tex-lock bicycle lock in acid orange.

With the luminous lock wrapped around your bike or your body, you'll shine even in cold, wet weather and in the dark. Find out what our popular standard colour acid orange is all about in the story about the orange bike lock.

Important questions about cycling in all weathers

What to do if the bike lock is iced up?

The lock cylinder of your bike lock can also freeze up in the frosty season and therefore stubbornly resist opening. A bicycle lock de-icer is the best way to open the frozen lock - a few sprays and the lock will thaw. But what if you don't have any de-icer to hand? Alternatively, you can also use a conventional door lock de-icer or WD-40. If that's not to hand either, here are three quick solutions that are at least worth trying:

1. Lighter: Heat carefully (!) without melting plastic parts.
2. Warm breathing air: Patiently breathe on the cylinder to defrost the lock.
3. Body heat: Warm up the key with your hands.

To prevent this from happening in the first place, we recommend that you regularly maintain the lock with care spray from a specialist retailer. The spray prevents moisture in the lock cylinder so that it cannot freeze.

Does rain damage the bike?

Rain can actually damage your bike. But only if you don't look after it properly. Moisture can cause rust, especially on metal parts such as the bicycle chain or sprocket.

That's why you should always take your bike with you after a bike ride in the rain Dry thoroughly and remove dirt. You should then re-grease the chain if necessary. This is quick, easy and sustainable:

So that you can confidently leave your bike out in the rain, you should use a Throw a rain cover over your bike. It would be even better if you could park it indoors during the cold and wet season. Because it's not just the wet, but also the icy cold that is bad for your bike.

What helps when cycling in the rain with glasses?

Glasses don't necessarily have to be a challenge when cycling in the rain. They can also protect your eyes from raindrops hitting your face.
These Tips ensure clear vision in any weather: 

• Washing-up liquid & soap: After you have cleaned your glasses with a microfibre cloth suitable for spectacle lenses, apply a small amount of washing-up liquid or pure liquid soap to the lenses and spread it evenly. Then polish the lenses with a microfibre cloth for glasses.
• Saliva: The enzymes in the saliva form a protective film on the glasses and allow water droplets to roll off. A quick and easy option if you are suddenly caught out in the rain while travelling.
• Water-repellent coating: If you wear your glasses a lot, lenses with a water-repellent coating may be worthwhile. Depending on the type of lens and your care, the so-called lotus effect for glasses lasts 4-5 years.
• Anti-fog treatment: The products specially developed to combat eyewear fogging are available in many variations, from anti-fog spray and foam to anti-fog cloth and stick. The anti-fog effect lasts for different lengths of time.
• Cycling goggles with ventilation: For frequent cyclists, special cycling glasses with ventilation channels or ventilation openings are worthwhile. The improved air circulation automatically minimises fogging of these glasses.
• Helmet visor: A bike helmet with a visor keeps most of the rain away from the lenses. However, helmet visors are often controversial because, for example, the scratches on them reflect light and dazzle you and because, of course, the visor itself is not immune to rain. 
• Rain jacket with hood or protective cap: With a waterproof protective cap under your helmet or a rain jacket with a hood, you can keep the rain out from above and prevent raindrops from falling directly onto your goggles. 
• Switch to contact lenses: If you wear glasses with vision aids, contact lenses might be better for cycling in the rain. For some, vision is clearer and for others it is blurred. Only trial and error will help.

Is cycling in the rain bad for your health?

Quite the opposite: when cycling in winter, your Immune system even strengthened by exercise in the fresh air and you are less susceptible to colds. But only if you take appropriate precautions. Otherwise, cycling in bad weather does harbour some health risks. 

For example, if you don't dress warmly enough or even too warmly, you can get a cold due to hypothermia or sweating catch. Even if your clothes are soaked and you don't have a change of clothes with you.

You also run the risk of Increased risk of falling, if you don't adapt your driving style to the slippery surface or poor visibility. But: We've given you plenty of tips against all of this here.

And we will now summarise them again.

Conclusion: Cycling in the rain and cold weather is a success with these tips

You shouldn't let bad weather spoil your enjoyment of cycling. With the right equipment and preparation, you can also Travelling safely and comfortably by bike in the rain and cold be.

• One windproof cap and a cycling balaclava protect your head and face from the rain
• A combination of Rain jacket and rain trousers offers you the most rain protection when cycling
• Rain capes and rain ponchos may be available. More flexibility and a smaller pack size
• Your rainwear for cycling should Breathable, waterproof and at best windproof be
• With a (lined) Rain protection for shoes you have dry and even warm feet when cycling
• Soft winter gloves and thermal cycling gloves protect your hands from the cold and wet
• In the event of temperature fluctuations, wear the Onion look, so that you are never too warm or too cold
• In the best case, you have a change of dry clothes in case your clothes are soaked
• A Splash protection for your bike keeps your bum and back dry
• Maintain your Bicycle rain gear, so that the cold, wet weather cannot harm it
• Colourful cycling equipment puts you in a good mood when cycling in bad weather
• Reflective stickers on your clothing and all your gadgets increase your visibility in poor visibility conditions and in the dark
• If you have a Rain cover for your bike the wet can't harm your bike
• There are many ways to Fogging of spectacle lenses avoid cycling in the rain
• Cycling in bad weather can even Strengthen your immune system, if you take appropriate precautions

You can find the right equipment for cycling rain & co. in our Bicycle accessories for security.

Have a safe journey at all times, in rain, snow and ice!

Your tex-lock team